← Back to Search

1981 Ford Fairmont Wagon Base

The 1981 Ford Fairmont Wagon Base is an 88-hp 2.3-liter inline-4 wagon with a 4-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $6,719 MSRP.

It makes 88 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeWagon
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$6,719 ($24,023 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.3L Lima SOHC I4
Displacement2.3 L
Horsepower88 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque118 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC
Bore and Stroke3.78 x 3.13 in
Injection Type2-barrel Carburetor
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, lower lateral arms, MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear SuspensionSolid axle, coil springs, vertically mounted dampers
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVented Discs, 10.0 in
Rear Brake DiscDrums, 9.0 x 1.8 in
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase105.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1981 Ford FAIRMONT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Aug 27, 2007 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

NHTSA campaign 07E064000

Nov 19, 1980 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PUSHROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS MAY BE MISSING OR LOOSE. INSECURELY INSTALLED OR MISSING RETAINERS COULD RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND TOTAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING.

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PIN.

NHTSA campaign 80V152000

4 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1981 Ford FAIRMONT

Owner Complaints

4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1981 Ford FAIRMONT (2 a fire). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Steering1
Tires1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 14, 1997 · Tires
“TIRES REPLACED.”
Sep 18, 1997 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“AIR CONTROL MODULE-AIR PUMP DEVERTER VALVE CLOSED, CAUSING HOT GASSES AND AIR RETURNING FROM EXHAUST TO EXPLODE/MELT/IGNITE THE PLASTIC VALVE, DAMAGING VACUUM LINES/VALVE COVER SURFACE, RESULTING IN A…”
Apr 30, 1996 · Steering
“WHILE DRIVING A PIECE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF AND CASUED LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”
Apr 29, 1996 · Electrical System Fire
“AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1981 FORD FAIRMONT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search